701.2511/461: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Culbertson)
67. Your 173, August 18, 10 a.m. The situation regarding this matter is as follows:
Before Cruchaga left for Mexico he discussed the matter with White and it was agreed that, in order to obviate any difficulties over the question of recognition, he would send White a personal letter explaining that in his absence Blanco would be in chargé of the Embassy’s affairs until the arrival of Edwards who would then take chargé, and expressing the hope that these gentlemen would be allowed to transact business informally with the Department; White would reply in a personal letter saying that there would be no objection to this. However, through an apparent misunderstanding, Cruchaga before leaving for Mexico sent a formal note to the Department stating that Blanco would be Chargé d’Affaires until succeeded [Page 480] in that capacity by the Chilean Minister to Cuba. White has talked with Blanco and explaned the situation to him, and the formal note is to be withdrawn and in its place Blanco will ask Cruchaga to send from Mexico the personal letter previously agreed upon. Upon its receipt White will answer that there will be no objection to dealing personally and unofficially with Blanco and with Edwards after the latter’s arrival here, it being understood that this action does not imply recognition of present Chilean regime.48
- Personal letters in the above sense were exchanged, Señor Cruchaga’s letter being dated August 15 and Mr. White’s letter, August 24. Letters not printed.↩